CVE-2018-14286 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader 9.0.1.1049. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the handling of arguments passed to the mailDoc function. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a type confusion condition. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-5770.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
CVE-2018-14286 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.1049, demonstrating a classic type confusion flaw that enables attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges. This vulnerability resides within the mailDoc function's argument handling mechanism, where insufficient input validation creates a dangerous condition that can be exploited through crafted user-supplied data. The vulnerability operates under CWE-467, which specifically addresses the use of incorrect types in function calls, and falls under the broader category of improper input validation issues that frequently lead to severe security consequences. The attack vector requires user interaction, meaning that victims must either visit a malicious webpage or open a specially crafted malicious file to trigger the exploit, making this a prime example of a user-initiated attack vector that leverages social engineering tactics.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper validation of arguments passed to the mailDoc function, creating a type confusion scenario that allows attackers to manipulate memory structures and execute arbitrary code within the context of the current process. When Foxit Reader processes a malicious document or webpage, the flawed argument handling causes the application to interpret data of one type as another, potentially overwriting critical memory locations or executing unintended code paths. This type confusion condition represents a fundamental flaw in the application's memory management and input processing, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the data types being passed to the mailDoc function. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in complete system compromise, as the attacker gains execution privileges under the same user context as the vulnerable application, potentially allowing for privilege escalation or lateral movement within the target environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-14286 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within targeted systems that can be leveraged for further exploitation. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves executing malicious code through various application interfaces, and T1068, which addresses local privilege escalation. The requirement for user interaction makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios where social engineering campaigns can be employed to deliver malicious payloads through seemingly legitimate documents or web pages. Organizations running Foxit Reader 9.0.1.1049 are particularly vulnerable to this attack, as the application's widespread use in enterprise environments means that successful exploitation can lead to significant data breaches or system compromise. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can potentially exploit it from anywhere on the internet, without requiring physical access to the target system, making it a high-priority concern for security teams.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14286 should focus on immediate patching and application hardening measures to prevent exploitation. Organizations should prioritize updating Foxit Reader to versions that address this vulnerability, as the vendor has released patches specifically designed to correct the type confusion issue in the mailDoc function. Additionally, implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can help detect and block malicious content before it reaches end users. Security teams should also consider implementing strict document handling policies, including disabling the mailDoc function or restricting access to potentially malicious file types. The vulnerability's nature suggests that additional runtime protections such as application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques should be considered to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable applications and ensure that proper input validation mechanisms are in place throughout their software ecosystem.